Perhaps another angle we can take is how much you'd be willing to pay Amir Johnson. For a guy making $6M per year, all is fine and dandy because you can ignore some of his shortcomings because he's such a bargain. However, if his agent thinks his client is a top 15 PF, then he'd demand a competitive salary. He'd be asking for around what Bargnani is earning, which is around $11M next year. That's nearly double of what Amir is making and not something I'd be willing to pay.

He seems like a good hustle player that you'd want to keep around, but the question is how much do you pay for a guy that based on this thread so far, you're not sure whether or not he should be a starter. $11M seems like too much.

That's a great approach. I actually think a good comparison could be made between Johnson and Humphries in Brooklyn - great hustle, great rebounders, will put up some points without being real offensive threats, use their fouls and make you work for everything. When making around the MLE they are great values. However, I worry that the same fate awaits Johnson if he were to get a pay raise similar to what Hump got... and look at how fans/experts/etc.. have all turned on him!

That's a great approach. I actually think a good comparison could be made between Johnson and Humphries in Brooklyn - great hustle, great rebounders, will put up some points without being real offensive threats, use their fouls and make you work for everything. When making around the MLE they are great values. However, I worry that the same fate awaits Johnson if he were to get a pay raise similar to what Hump got... and look at how fans/experts/etc.. have all turned on him!

The argument can be made that Hump's downfall is directly related to his off-court "issues".

I find it funny that the media reacted harshly to the Johnsom deal than they did to the Hump deal. The American media is so damn bias.

The perspective is probably different though. Kris Humphries got his 3-year $32M contract after his 2010-2011 season, where he averaged 10 points 7 rebounds, but post all-star break he was averaging 14 points and 14 rebounds. Basically, he was a beast after the all-star break.

Amir Johnson was awarded a 5-year $30M contract after his 2009-2010 season, where he averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds. He improved after the all-star break too -- averaging a whopping 8 points and 5 rebounds. Cah-razy!

One main thing i love about amir is he elevate shis (at least since his minutes increased) in the 4th quarter. he battles harder on the boards and seems to draw more fouls.

While the rest of the team flounders when the game is on the line, i see Amir making big plays at both ends. With the lack of 4th quarter heroism on this feeble 4th quarter franchise, its refreshing to have a guy like Amir on this team. I think the Raptors can definitely be praise din how they have fostered this young man.